A word about critiques...
One of our most important workshop activities is
critiquing each others' materials. In order to make it the most
constructive experience for everyone, please observe the following guidelines:
Preparation
- Bring enough typed copies of your lyric sheet for the
group. 10-15 is usually sufficient. Members will write
observations and notes on the lyric sheet for you to take home with you.
- Cue your cassette to the start of the song. Demos
on CD are fine as well.
- You may have lyrics without music critiqued. Many
of our members are lyricists, and do not write melodies.
- Live performance is fine and encouraged. You may
bring your guitar, trombone, kazoo, theremin, whatever you accompany yourself
with.
- Avoid long introductions, solos, etc. in your demos if
you can help it. We prefer to be moved by the song, not the 32-bar
guitar solo.
The Critique
- We always applaud the song at the end. Sharing
your craft with the group is a brave deed.
- We always start by focusing on the strengths of the
work, followed by suggestions on how to make the song stronger overall.
Production values are not usually discussed unless the writer is interested in
that feedback. It's about the song, not the performance.
- Try to avoid negative adjectives and sentiments.
Songs are very subjective, and you will not always love what you hear.
- When it is your song being critiqued, avoid being
defensive or argumentative. Take the input home with you, think about
it, and then make your decision about the feedback. Of course, you can
always ask for clarification, so you really understand feedback.
Other things to consider
People bring songs of all genres to the workshop. The intent of the
song may be to get a commercial cut, or for the writer's own performance, as a
gift to someone, or a personal moment they needed to express. We try never
to judge, but rather review the song in the context for which it was written.
You may not be a fan of cabaret tunes, but someone may bring one in for
critique. We try to focus on the craft of the song. A general rule
of thumb: Critique others in the manner in which you would like to be
critiqued.
Also, don't forget about the NSAI critique service.
It's a great way to get feedback from Nashville pros. If you do get a
critique, feel free to bring it in and share it with the workshop. This
has spurred some great discussions in the past!